Samsung pre-empts IFA 2015 with circular Gear S2 smartwatch

1 Sep 2015

The Samsung Gear S2 classic with leather strap

Samsung has heralded the second generation of smartwatches with the new Gear S2, which comes with a circular design, a custom UX and a rotating bezel.

The new watch comes on the heels of news that Google has made Android Wear available for iPhone users, no doubt putting pressure on Samsung to deliver in the face of a bruising competitive landscape and the onslaught of the new Apple Watch.

And deliver it has with a unique rotating bezel and home and back buttons aimed at making smartwatches more intuitive to use.

Samsung has introduced two different options – the Gear S2 and the Gear S2 classic.

Samsung goes full circle

samsung-gear-S2

Just 11.4mm thick, the Samsung Gear S2 has a 1.2-inch circular screen with 360×360 resolution (302dpi).

The device comes with the latest Tizen OS and sports a 1GHz dual-core processor.

The S2 with 3G connectivity also comes with the first-ever e-SIM with voice capability to perform quick functions without being closely tethered to a phone.

The Gear S2 classic is made for users who prefer a more timeless watch design, offering an elegant black finish with a matching genuine leather band.

“For the past several years, Samsung has pioneered and advanced the wearables category, bringing brave new concepts to the smart wearables market,” said JK Shin, CEO and head of Samsung’s IT and mobile business.

“The Samsung Gear S2 reflects Samsung’s most progressive innovation. It is the perfect complement for any occasion, easily taking you from day to night, from work to workout — and ensuring that you get more out of every moment in your day, by making it smarter and ultimately more personal and fun.”

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com